Betsey-Candace

Okay, so I finally watched Phineas and Ferb: The Movie yesterday, and let me just say that it. was. awesome. Usually I find that when people (they in the "they" building) try to take an amazing television series and turn it into a movie, the product that they come up with is completely and utterly stupid. Either they mess up the characters, or they can't come up with a plot so you're sitting there watching the clock tick by on an hour and a half. But not so with P&F. It had all the elemental quirks that makes Phineas and Ferb amazing, but without seeming trite or overdone. It strongly kept my interest through all 78 minutes, and I actually had to relocate to the basement to watch it 'cause I was keeping the sibs up with my giggles. So yeah, it was pretty cool. :)

One of the really cool characterizations in P&F was the Candace from the 2nd dimension. She was a cool karate-master/spy/tough-as-nails-resistance-leader/way-awesome big sis. In fact her characterization was so well done (and also because Candace is my alter-ego) that I was inspired to create my own Candace costume. I did make some modifications so I wasn't showing quite as much skin as dear Candace, and unfortunately I could not find a cool belt with gadgets on it. But my little bro was kind enough to lend me his airgun for a cool prop so that became my weapon of choice. So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, presenting Betsey-Candace!!

Fact: Candace and I are both the oldest in our respective families.

Fact: We both have a serious bossy complex.

Fact: Our siblings drive us nuts.

Fact: We both experience frustration at the bust-proof-ness of our siblings. 

(And yes, I did just make that word up.)

Fact: We both love Ducky Mo Mo.

When I showed these to the sibs, Suzy remarked that I look a lot like Vanessa. Okay....

I guess she could be right. I must admit that I would not mind being saved from imminent danger by Ferb, either. :)

*sigh* Oh Ferb, I'm waiting for you!! :)

Car

I think my dream Corvettte has got a rival. Behold, the 1965 Chevrolet Corvair!!

 It's turbo-charged, got a 6 cylinder engine, comes in convertible or coupe, and is sooo cute!!!! I think it's time for some serious comparisons. Maybe I should have a saga. Old Love vs. New Love....stay tuned. :-)

Christmas Card

 

 Ah, the Christmas Card. That special time of year when the entire family gets together to document yet another passing year. It's a time filled with love and peace, hope and gentleness; special family moments created together. There is complete cooperation--from the oldest granny to the smallest baby. No tears, bunny ears, or bruises are ever present, and no voices are raised. Everything is accomplished quickly and everyone looks lovely, leaving a beautiful photograph that will be cherished forever.

Yeah, right!

View of the dog's rear, BB gun "accidentally" fired (although whether it was even supposed to be loaded was in question), demanded bathroom breaks, wardrobe malfunctions, "I'm so cooooold!!", "How come she gets to do that, I want to!" punching (yes it happens, *sigh*), not enough time before the self-timer dings, too much time before the timer dings, blah blah blah blah blah. What's a photographer to do???





Final product--shot 537. Whooosh. :-)

Pictures from Institute

http://egkarako.blogspot.com/2010/08/institute.html

Phone!!

The latest back-to-school accessory: the cell phone. Teens of all ages are picking one up as they head off to serious academic studies. With features such as a 1.3 mp camera, 3G web browser, and full text messaging capabilites, this accessory has everything one needs for a successful school year. Some packages even include a small combination safe for protection against younger siblings. No stylish teen will be without one this coming fall.

Kudos to my little bro John for taking the photos without chopping my head off.  :-)

First Spring Photoshoot

Today was the first photoshoot of spring!! It was sunny and breezy with a high of 64 degrees; a perfect day to run around and take pictures. We were all suffering from an extreme case of cabin fever. And, let's be honest, a person can only take so much MarioKart before they start to go a little crazy.

 In honor of the occasion I unearthed Daddy's big Canon EOS; I had used it before I got my little Powershot. It's an awesome camera, with lots of cool functions, an amazing telephoto lens being one of them. The only thing about it is you have to guard it with your life, since "You break it, you pay for it," is Dad's motto.

Usually I have trouble getting models, but after numerous bribe offers and pleading on my knees I got three willing ones and one semi-willing. (You can guess who that is) I got them all to dress up in their PSU shirts with jeans and whatever props they wanted. John took a machine gun that yelled "Fire!" when you pressed a button; of course Suzers took one too, and Britt and Chrissy just brought themselves.

There isn't as much background-variety around as there will be when the trees get their leaves, but we still had a lot of fun. Although sometimes the others and I had conflicting ideas: John was always wanting to stare at the ground, or shoot his gun at the camera. Britt didn't really want to smile, she just made silly faces and slouched. Chrissy was little Miss Supermodel, and tried to pull off all sorts of poses. Suzy was perfect! Naw, I'm sure she was just as difficult, I just can't remember. (That's how she works, by the way).

And then, of course, when you have Britt and John in the same fifty-foot vicinity, things can get a little crazy. What with the sparring matches, and the hurling sharp objects in the air, and the setting the dog on the chickens, and the picking up worms and shoving them in Chrissy's face, and the inexplicable urge to yell at the top of their lungs; the list goes on. Like time.

But our family has lots of fun, and even though being cooped up with a deadly ninja, two drama queens, one Shepherd-with-Beagle-sound-effects, one ginormous Shepherd, and a squirmy worm can get wearing sometimes, I wouldn't trade it all for anything. Not even a million bucks (although I would be tempted). :-)

Sweetheart Dinner

Last Friday evening, the choice for diners looking for a romantic getaway was the exclusive restaurant Little Italy. A perfect mix of old and new, Little Italy charmed its visitors. Candles glowed on tables, strings of lights hung from the ceiling, and potted plants gave a touch of green to the plaster walls. Big-band music was playing on a stereo, and after a few volume adjustments made a lovely background.

Note: all photographs were taken after the couples had left, and are of the servers, NOT the patrons!

The service was extremely polite, and while somewhat inexperienced, still added to the atmosphere. The servers, drink-refillers, host and hostess, bus boy, and clean-up girl all looked extremely correct in black slacks with a solid top. This writer particularly like the bus boy's Winnie the Pooh tie. Appetizers and salad were served promptly, as were drinks, but the entrees did take a little while in emerging from the kitchen. It was well worth the wait, however, as the servers attested to.

The menu consisted of choice gourmet Italian food. Bruschetta, sausage cups and cheese pinwheels were served as appetizers. A delicious Caesar salad was next, with the diner's choice of spaghetti and meatballs or chicken alfredo on fettucine following. Miniature cherry cheesecakes, or a scoop of cherry pie-filling wrapped in a won ton and fried (known as a Cherry Yum Yum) concluded the evening. Coffee, raspberry lemonade, and water flowed freely throughout, served by waiters who did not spill.

The atmosphere of Little Italy was relaxed and romantic. So much so that there were even a few dancers on the floor. Tables were wrapped in white shelf-paper. Conversation hearts, pink M&Ms, and red crayons made creative centerpieces, while a single candle on each table provided mood lighting.

The hosts took patrons' coats as they walked through the door, then guided them to a table. Servers appeared with appetizers, then took drink, salad, and entree orders. The bus boy served entrees, drink-refillers glided from table to table, and the clean-up girl stacked dishes then disappeared into the kitchen. A photographer circulated among the tables, snapping photos of distinguished patrons.

 Little Italy charmed its visitors. One diner observed, "This is the best nightclub we have ever been to." Superb food, attentive service, and a charming atmosphere all combined to make a wonderful evening.  It is hoped that Little Italy will appear again next Valentine's Day.

A special thank you is due to Eric and Sarah for their amazing leadership through this whole project, and unfailing patience. Also to the dishwashers Collin and Will!

Coffee and Other Bloopers:

Have you ever had a waitress who forgot to ask how you liked your coffee and had to come back? Who did it twice? Who remembered in the middle of her question that she was talking to the person who didn't need food, and quickly turned her head just in time to say the last word to the correct person? Who almost spilled her tray multiple times? Who asked you if you wanted dessert while you were in the middle of eating your entree? Who referred to the desserts as "Fattening" and "More Fattening"? Who accidentally sprayed whipped cream all over her slacks while she was garnishing a dessert?

Well, guess who that was!! ;-)